Training Nonhuman Primates to Cooperate during Blood Collection: A
Review

Viktor Reinhardt
Animal Welfare Institute, Washington, DC

Traditionally, laboratory nonhuman primates are regarded as dangerous and
often vicious animals. Therefore, forced restraint is often recommended for
handling them. During blood collection, one of the most common laboratory
procedures, primates are restrained either mechanically in a cage or manually
on a table. Despite such precautions, however, restrained animals occasionally
bite and scratch handling personnel, posing a serious risk of zoonoses
transmission (Valerio et al., 1969; Zakaria et al., 1996). Such accidents are
not surprising, because the subdued animal is afraid and therefore tries to
defend itself.

The excitation associated with involuntary blood collection is reflected in
numerous physiological deviations which preclude the collection of
scientifically reliable data (Reinhardt et al., 1995). This problem is usually
dealt with by not mentioning how the experimental subjects were handled and by
using more of them to improve statistical significance (Brockway et al., 1993).

The scientific and ethical inadequacy of forced restraint is implicitly
acknowledged by theInternational Primatological Society, which
underscores in its International Guidelines for the Acquisition, Care and
Breeding of Nonhuman Primates (1989) that restraint "should be used only
when less stressful alternatives are not feasible." Training animals to
cooperate during procedures offers such an alternative, which: * refines
scientific methodology by controlling extraneous stress-related variables;
* decreases the risk of injury by no longer giving the animal a reason to show
aggressive defense reactions; * reduces the amount of time and the number of
people required to perform a procedure by eliminating the need to subdue the
resisting subject; * challenges the intelligence of animals and attending
personnel alike; and * improves the work environment of animal care personnel
by creating a human-animal relationship which is based on trust rather than
fear. The International Primatological Societyexplicitly states that
"primates of many species can be trained for sample procedures, such as
presenting a limb for a blood collection," and advocates such training
"whenever possible" (IPS, 1989).

Casual Observations

Numerous authors allude to the possibility of training nonhuman
primates to cooperate during blood collection.
* Rhesus macaques (Macaca
mulatta). Elvidge et al. (1976): females "have been trained to jump from
their cage into an aluminum box and offer a hind leg for sampling." Bernstein
et al. (1977) and Eaton et al. (1994): males and females were transferred to
small cages, where they had been trained to present a leg for blood collection.
Rosenblum & Coulston (1981): both sexes "were trained to present an arm
through a small cage opening" to facilitate blood sampling. Herndon et al.
(1984): males "often extended a leg from the cage without struggling for sample
collection." Billiard et al. (1985): blood samples were obtained from both
sexes "by the volunteer method in which an animal learned to present a leg out
of a transfer cage." Scallet et al. (1989): males "had been readily
conditioned to voluntarily present an arm for sampling, which enabled them to
avoid restraint." *
Longtailed macaques (M. fascicularis). Hein et al. (1989): females"were trained to present their arms through the bars of the cage" for
venipuncture. *
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Byrd (1977): one animal was trained
"to tolerate a fingerprick to obtain blood for cell counts." McGinnis &
Kraemer (1979): blood samples "can be collected easily from chimpanzees that
have been trained to cooperate in venipuncture." Fulk (1992): "a few
institutions have trained chimpanzees to extend an appendage through the
containment barrier in order to collect medical specimens." Laule et al.
(1992): male chimpanzees were "trained to allow voluntary blood
sampling." *
Various species. Wall et al. (1985): female vervet monkeys
(Cercopithecus aethiops) were "trained to present a limb for unstressed
sampling." Suleman et al. (1988): vervet monkeys,Sykes monkeys (C.
mitis), and baboons (Papio anubis) "were trained to present an arm
or leg for blood collection." Chambers et al. (1992): "Non-human primates,
particularly the larger macaques, vervets, baboons and apes, are readily
trained to cooperate in procedures such as presenting an arm for blood
collection."

Detailed Reports

Only a few authors provide the detailed protocols that were used to
teach nonhuman primates to cooperate during blood collection. *
Walker et al. (1982) and Dettmer et al. (1996) trained rhesus macaques and
capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella), respectively,to extend their
legs for venipuncture in a squeeze cage by habituation. The animals were
restrained to the front of the cage, allowing the experimenter to reach inside
and grasp a leg. They were then reinforced with food for sitting quietly and
allowing a blood-draw. Rhesus macaques "quickly learn to extend their legs and
after only a few trials volunteer their legs readily" (Walker et al., 1982);
"None of the capuchin monkeys learned to present a leg, but four (of eight)
showed little resistance" (Dettmer et al., 1996).

* Phillippi-Falkenstein & Clarke (1992) conditioned rhesus macaques to
accept blood collection. The animals were first acclimatized to being confined
in the front portion of the sampling cage. Once the animals were "habituated to
sitting in the front of the cage, a technician reached in for the monkey's foot
and pulled it through the hole in the sample cage. If an animal offered no
resistance or extended its leg, no restraint was applied. The leg was held and
gently pinched to acclimate the animal to being touched. After three minutes,
the animal's leg was released, gently pushed into the cage, and a reward
given." After 17 days of training, all animals remained calm when blood
samples were collected and three of the five females "extended their legs
voluntarily."

*Vertein & Reinhardt (1989) trained adult pair-housed rhesus females for
blood collection in their home cages rather than in a sampling cage. The
animals were first acclimatized to being confined once a day in the front
portion of their cages. In subsequent sessions, each subject's leg was touched
several times. Next, the trainer gently pulled the leg out of the cage,
holding it for about 20 seconds before releasing the leg and offering a food
reward. During the 24th and last session, blood was collected. None of the
eight monkeys showed signs of resistance, but only three of them willingly
presented a leg for venipunture.

* Reinhardt (1991) modified this training protocol in order to improve the
overall success rate. Plexiglass panels were fitted over the open cage doors
during each training session; they had an aperture large enough for a monkey's
leg to fit through, but small enough to prevent the monkey from escaping.
Initially, the back wall was pulled so close to the front of the cage that the
males could not turn around freely. This allowed the trainer right from the
beginning to reach through the aperture of the panel, groom a leg of the
subject, carefully lift the leg, gently yet firmly pull the leg out of the
cage, and puncture the saphenous vein. Once the animal stopped resisting, the
back wall was pulled less close, leaving the trainee leeway to refuse being
touched and room to turn freely around. Sessions were never terminated before
a leg was brought out for long enough to draw a blood sample. When this was
achieved the back wall was pushed into its normal position and the animal
rewarded with favored food. On average, 24 minutes distributed over six
training sessions were required to overcome the males' initial resistance; an
additional 14 minutes distributed over seven sessions were then invested until
each of the 15 males voluntarily presented a leg behind, in, or through
the aperture of the panel and showed no resistance during blood collection.
Pair-housed males and single-housed males did not differ significantly in their
training performance. Once the training goal was achieved, the males reliably
cooperated not only with the trainer but also with the attending care
personnel.

* This training protocol was applied with equal success in six adult female
stumptailed macaques (M. arctoides), and with less success in six
juvenile female rhesus macaques (Reinhardt & Cowley, 1992; Reinhardt,
1992).

Figure 1a:
Adult male rhesus macaques can be trained within a cumulative total
of less than one hour to actively present a leg in their homecage ...

* Priest (1990, 1991) shaped the behavior of Loon, an adult male drill
(Mandrillus leucophaeus), to cooperate during blood collection in his
home cage. First, the animal was conditioned to reach on command into a
stainless steel tube, which was attached to the front of the cage, grasp with
his extended arm a rod positioned at the end of the tube, and remain in this
position until a clicker sounded, immediately followed by a food reward.
Through a hole cut in the tube, the trainer gradually desensitized Loon to
being touched at the venipuncture site while Loon was still holding onto the
rod. Finally, veni-puncture was accomplished and blood withdrawn.

* Laule et al. (1996) trained Allie, an infant female chimpanzee, for
venipuncture. She was taught to sit on a table and allow her arm to be
manipulated and held by the trainer. Next, she was desensitized to having her
arm touched by, first, the trainer's finger, then a cotton swab, and then a
syringe without a needle, with a blunt needle, and finally with a sharp needle.
The first blood draw occurred during the 18th training session, with a total of
275 minutes invested prior to that. Allie showed no resistance but sat
quietly and eagerly accepted rewards.

Conclusion

These reports provide sufficient evidence that nonhuman primates need
not be forcibly restrained and distressed during blood collection. Since
primates are intelligent, it is not surprising that even adult male rhesus
macaques, supposedly very aggressive and hence intractable, learn within
less than one hour to voluntarily present a limb and accept blood
collection in their home cages (Figures 1a-b). There is no reason why
the training techniques developed for rhesus macaques could not be applied with
the same effectiveness to macaques in general and to other medium-sized
primates such as capuchin and vervet monkeys and female baboons. The technique
developed for Loon, the male drill, is probably adequate for other more
powerful primates such as male baboons and chimpanzees.

So far only a few laboratory primates have been taught to cooperate during
blood collection. This suggests that the myth of the unpredictably fractious
monkey still prevails. The publications cited here question this myth and
encourage more attempts to replace conventional blood sampling procedures with
training techniques that draw on the animals' inherent learning capabilities
and willingness to cooperate, thereby improving animal welfare, personnel
safety, and research methodology.

Letter To The Editor

In the last issue of Laboratory Primate Newsletter, a notice on
changes to nomenclature is included. Your conservative approach of the past
was probably prudent, but your recent adoption of nomenclatural changes is also
right on target. Wilson and Reeder (Mammal Species of the World: A
Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, 2nd Ed.) are now the acccepted sources
for mammalian taxonomy, and this level of acceptance is much higher than
indicated. CITES has adopted all aspects of its recommended changes and ISIS,
the computer data base used by zoos, is preparing to incorporate these changes
as well. When money becomes available, names of species covered by the
Endangered Species Act are also likely to be changed as appropriate. -
Alan Shoemaker, Collection Manager, Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, SC 29202

* * *

Nonhuman Primates in Viral Hepatitis Research

Marisa St. Claire
BIOQUAL, Inc.

History

Over the past 30 years, seven hepatitis viruses have been identified
and named A, B, C, D, E, G, and GB. These viruses are approaching HIV, the
virus that causes AIDS, in their collective contribution to human illness and
death, and are far easier to contract than HIV. More than 500,000 Americans
become infected with some form of viral hepatitis each year, and about 16,000
die annually from the complications. Probably the best described has been
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a DNA virus that replicates through an RNA
intermediate. HBV is transmitted via parenteral drug use, sexual contact,
blood products, and occupational exposure. HBV infection is frequently seen
among HIV-positive individuals; up to 90% of HIV positive persons are also
seropositive for HBV. Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a RNA virus discovered in 1988,
is like HBV in that it is primarily blood-borne, and both HCV and HBV cause
acute as well as chronic hepatitis and can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular
carcinoma in humans. Epidemiology data from case-control and cohort studies
and from laboratory investigations indicate that up to 80% of cases of
hepatocellular carcinoma are attributable to persistent infection with HBV.
HBV is thus second only to tobacco among known human carcinogens. HCV accounts
for 150,000 cases per year with 10,000 deaths annually in the U.S., and up to
80% of HIV-positive individuals are also seropositive for HCV.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are transmitted
enterically and induce acute hepatitis but rarely result in chronic hepatitis.
HAV has received media attention due to food-borne outbreaks. A recent example
is the HAV-contaminated strawberries from Central America and Mexico, which
were purchased for schoolchildren in the southwestern United States in early
spring of 1997. Approximately 72,000 cases of HAV were reported in the U.S.
between 1992-1994, but the true incidence is probably in the millions, since
many cases are clinically inapparent. Major epidemics of HAV are especially
prevalent in developing countries due to fecal contamination of food and water.
HEV resembles HAV in the manner of spread and is prevalent in Asia, Mexico, and
Africa. HEV typically causes an acute disease with low mortality, except in
pregnant women, where there is a high risk of death - up to a 30% fatality rate
among women infected with HEV during pregnancy in developing nations.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV), or delta virus, is exceptional in that it is
dependent on co-infection with HBV for causing disease, and can modify the
illness associated with that virus. Recently, novel blood-borne viruses were
discovered and named hepatitis GB virus, (HGBV) a Flavivirus-like agent, and
hepatitis G virus (HGV). Both are positive, single-stranded RNA viruses and
resemble HCV. The HGBV are further subdivided into GB-A, GB-B, and GB-C,
although HGB-C is actually HGV. HGB-A viruses appear to be indigenous to New
World Primates. HGBV-A-like viruses have been detected in Saguinus mystax,
S. labiatus, S. oedipus, S. nigricollis, Callathrix jacchus, and Aotus
trivirgatus. These animals appear to be chronically infected, and no
apparent disease has been seen with infection with HGB-A. Although HGV was
initially isolated from a human, HGBV-A and -B are not currently thought to be
infective to humans.

Animal Models of Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis A Virus: Macaques (Macaca spp.), owl monkeys
(Aotus spp.), and tamarins are susceptible to infection with HAV,
although they rarely, if ever, exhibit clinical signs of infection other than
liver enzyme elevations and seroconversion. Most commonly, the rhesus macaque
(Macaca mulatta) and mustached tamarins (Saguinus mystax) are
used in HAV research. Although some types of HAV may be grown in vitro,
wild-type HAV is isolated and biologically amplified in cell culture only with
great difficulty, and some strains of HAV are completely refractory to
isolation in cell culture. Thus, many strains of HAV cannot be studied without
a nonhuman primate host.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Viruses: Chimpanzees (Pan
troglodytes) are the only species, other than humans, that are susceptible
to infection with HBV and HCV. Although chimpanzees rarely show any clinical
signs, liver enzyme elevations and antibody formation occurs, and some viruses
may be re-isolated from the liver of infected animals.

Hepatitis E Virus: Macaques and Aotus can be infected with HEV.
Nonhuman primates are vital for the study of HEV, since it has not been
replicated in cell culture. Nonhuman primates serve to biologically amplify
HEV, thus allowing study of this virus.

Hepatitis G and GB Virus: Tamarins can be infected with HGV (a.k.a.
HGB-C) or HGB-B and develop hepatitis. Many New World species appear to be
chronically infected with HGB-A and suffer no ill effects.

Other Hepatitis Viruses: Of all the species of nonhuman primates, only
chimpanzees can be infected with all known human hepatitis viruses. Therefore,
novel hepatitis viruses may be inoculated into chimpanzees (who show no adverse
effects from infection), which serve as a biological amplification system,
allowing study of these viruses.

Nonhuman primate models have been exceedingly important in hepatitis virus
research. Isolation and identification of many exotic viruses has been
possible only through the use of nonhuman primates. Development of vaccines
for both hepatitis A and B was done in nonhuman primates, and these vaccines
have done much to reduce morbidity and mortality in susceptible human
populations. In 1980, Taiwan started a program of vaccinating all infants,
which resulted in a ten-fold reduction in HBV carrier state and a five-fold
reduction in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in Taiwanese children.

Since the highest incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma occurs in the sixth
decade of life in humans, it will be many years before we realize the full
extent of reduction of mortality due to vaccination. Since 1990, the World
Health Organization has recommended a policy of universal vaccination of all
children for HBV. Eighty-five countries throughout the world are currently
participating, including the United States.

While HAV does not appear to cause chronic infections or increase the risk of
development of cancer, as does HBV, it causes tremendous morbidity and some
mortality in immunocompromised persons. The recent introduction of a vaccine
for HAV (Havrix) appears to be contributing to its decrease in
populations which are most at risk (as well as most likely to be offered
vaccination, i.e. health care workers, persons traveling to developing nations,
etc.).

Recommendations for Vaccination: Personnel working with nonhuman
primates or human cell culture/body fluids should consider vaccination for both
HAV and HBV. In addition, some facilities have chosen to vaccinate their
nonhuman primates for HAV and HBV if these animals will be part of a study in
which liver enzymes, or other clinical parameters that may be affected by
infection, are to be monitored. Although the nonhuman primates that are
susceptible to human hepatitis viruses do not appear to experience any adverse
effects following infection, study directors may wish to have their animals
vaccinated so that they may rule out HAV or HBV as a potential cause in the
event of a rise in liver enzymes. When performing viral hepatitis research, it
is important to screen all incoming nonhuman primates for seroconversion to the
various hepatitis viruses prior to putting them on study. Given the
prevalence of hepatitis viruses among the general human population and the
ease of spread, particularly of HAV and HEV, it is not uncommon to find
primates that have already been exposed via their human caretakers.

Bibliography

Bukh, J., & Apgar, C. L. (1997). Five new or recently discovered
(GBV-A) virus species are indigenous to New World monkeys and may constitute a
separate genus of the Flaviviridae. Virology, 229, 429-436.

Erratum

In the Recent Books and Articles section of the last (July) issue, we
misspelled the name of the second author of Social Influences on Vocal
Development, which was edited by C. T. Snowdon and M. Hausberger.

* * *

Elderhostel: An Interesting Way to Increase Public Exposure
to Nonhuman Primates in Laboratory Settings

What you're about to read will not be "scientific", but will supply you with
some information that might be useful to you and your facility. We run
Elderhostel programs at the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Bastrop, Texas. We'll tell
you a little about Elderhostel, what we do with Elderhostel, why we do it, and
how it has turned out so far. We'll close with a letter/story that a couple of
our Elderhostelers wrote shortly after attending one of our programs. In
brief, Elderhostelers, in general, are a group of people that (1) can
appreciate the importance of primate models to biomedical research and
the importance of conserving endangered primates; (2) are actively seeking
knowledge about biomedical research techniques and progress; and (3) are
absolutely thrilled when you tell them and show them how you are working
with nonhuman primates in a research environment.

Elderhostel is an international organization devoted to providing low-cost,
high-quality continuing education programs to adults 55 years of age and over.
Thousands of different programs, on virtually every topic you could think of,
are offered every year throughout the world. About 300,000 adults enroll in
programs each year. A typical Elderhostel program lasts 6 nights (5 days) and
includes three separate 7.5 hour courses, but there are as many exceptions to
this rule as there are exemplars. Intensive programs, service programs,
intergenerational programs, and longer programs are all included in the
quarterly catalog. The key to all the programs are the Elderhostelers: people
who have chosen to participate in your particular program, and are thus
highly motivated to learn about your topics.

At the Department of Veterinary Sciences, we were searching for a low-risk way
to publicize the high-quality research we were doing. We know how well we care
for our nonhuman primates and other animals, and how this improves the quality
of studies that are performed using these well-defined animal models. But it
was becoming increasingly obvious that the average person in the public did not
know this. We decided that people 55 and older - people who had seen health
problems that existed prior to the recent rapid advancements of biomedical
research, people who had lost loved ones to afflictions that we are now making
progress toward conquering, people who are well-educated and respected in their
communities - would be an ideal pilot target audience for us to open our
facility to and show all that we do. While we recognize (as do most of the
animal rights groups) that school-age individuals are probably the most
important subset of the population to "go after" for long-term impact, we
wanted to make our initial foray into proactive community education with
an audience that we considered likely to be sympathetic to our work and
goals.

We offer our Elderhostel program twice a year, in mid-spring and in early fall
- the weather is a major influence on our schedule of offerings in Central
Texas. Each program consists of three courses and a variety of extracurricular
and social activities. The three courses we typically offer are (1) Primate
Behavior, (2) Veterinary Medicine and Human Medicine, and (3) The Immune
System. All courses are taught by M. D. Anderson faculty and are fairly
challenging and rigorous. Courses include lectures, demonstrations, hands-on
activities, and numerous readings. Primate-related activities include
behavioral observation of chimpanzees and rhesus monkeys, demonstrations of
enrichment and positive reinforcement training, and observation of chimpanzees
and rhesus monkeys receiving their annual physical exams.

About 88 Elderhostelers have now participated in our programs; both hostelers
and our staff have been quite pleased with how the programs have turned out.
We still make minor adjustments from one offering to the next, but in general,
we have a very workable program in place. We routinely challenge participants
at "graduation" to become active and vocal advocates of animal research in
general, and primate research in particular. This past April, we were
challenged by the participants to do a better job at getting our message to the
public. They were so enthusiastic about our program that they wanted us to
help them organize a "Bastrop Elderhostel Alumni Network" to really make a
difference. We are in the process of doing so now.

We will close with a letter/story written by Mary J. and Phil Zenchoff, two
participants at our most recent (April, 1997) Elderhostel program. Obviously,
every participant does not send us a similar piece, but the Zenchoffs' story
should illustrate (1) what type of impact this kind of educational program
could have on the people who come to learn; and (2) what type of
community outreach benefits could be gained by your primate research facility
from participating in such a program.

We would be happy to talk about our experiences in developing an Elderhostel
program and the nuts and bolts of running such a program. (You won't make any
money, but if it's done right, you probably won't lose any money, either.)
Just contact us at the address above.

Welcome to the Planet of the Apes!

"What's your best Elderhostel?" we are often asked, having racked up 37 of
these programs during the past 10 years. Until our week in Science Park at the
Department of Veterinary Sciences in Bastrop, Texas this April, we always
burbled and said, "They're all great - how can we choose?" Now, with apologies
to all the other great ones we've experienced, we answer, "The Planet of the
Apes beats them all!"

"What!! Science - chimps - labs! But you're not scientific, Mary" and our
friends' noses would wrinkle as I described our plans. Ah yes, but my woman's
intuition told me, from the first reading of the descriptive blurb in the
Elderhostel catalog, that this week would be wonderful beyond
belief. My scientific husband, on the other hand, feared that the technical
courses would be so watered down that he would lose interest. By the end of
the first class, he was "champing at the bit" for a longer program, and
I, of course, was ecstatic, both for myself and for him. Now why was
this program so different from all our other trips?

Well, first of all, the science focus was far deeper than any program we had
ever experienced before. Our friends' fears that it would be "beyond" anyone
without a background in immunology, cancer research, microbiology, primate
behavior, and so on, proved to be unfounded. This program was set up as "one
size fits all." If you could barely tell an atom from an elephant, you still
learned and felt comfortable in the classes.

On the other hand, if you had a fairly solid background in the areas mentioned
above, you leaned back happily and soaked in more data. The
veterinarians and scientists used slides, hand-outs, and clear graphic
explanations to present their points. In addition, we had a fantastic
loose-leaf binder packed full of relevant articles that we could peruse at our
leisure.

After our classroom lecture each day, we marched off to the lab and saw many
of the processes just described in class, such as the cloning of cells,
implemented before our wondering eyes. There is a feeling of awe that sweeps
over you when you listen to a scientist who has made breakthroughs in creating
a vaccine against AIDS, explaining his findings in his inimitably enthusiastic
way. Somehow there is a profundity to the experience that remains with you
forever.

Then there were the early morning (optional) walks with one of the
veterinarians through the wild-flower-dotted fields of Science Park. As
we walked, she explained the work being done on bone-replacement after the
removal of tumors. At Science Park, sheep are used for this research.
We watched in amazement as the research sheep gamboled around their pasture on
their sturdy, new-growth legs, with nary a baa-d step, and we rejoiced at the
thought of humans, who can someday soon have bone tumors removed, and walk
unaided thereafter. Besides, we got into breakfast first if we went on the
early walk! Speaking of breakfast, the food was fabulous. The staff prepared
both breakfast and lunch, and Southern hospitality was the keyword all week.
Dinners were in a class by themselves and will be described later.

And ah! The chimps! We watched with our surgical masks carefully positioned
(so WE wouldn't infect the chimp) as he had his yearly physical. There
he was, outstretched on the examining table (under light anesthesia, of course)
while the veterinarian took a sonogram, measured his body-fat, and yes! checked
his prostate. We had a blow-by-blow explanation as the vet performed the
procedures - and no, the anesthesia didn't wear off while we were there! I
think I heard the chimp mutter, "Next time, Doctor, it's MY turn," but
maybe that was my imagination.

Another day, after a fascinating lecture, we trooped off to the chimp area and
practiced our observational skills in teams, monitoring the actions of
different chimps as they frolicked after their morning meals. Just as a
comfort for those who think of smelly monkey houses when we mention "chimps,"
all our observations were done outdoors, on the roof of the chimp area, while
our evolutionary forebears meandered around their playground, probably
observing us as well.

Evenings were not for rest! We ate wonderfully and heartily at a different
place each evening, toured beautiful historic homes in Bastrop where the owners
themselves showed us around, and kicked up our heels in a country Western dance
hall, where the Elderhostel staff made sure that no one was left to flounder.
Even the Science Park Director came to share the fun and Texas-two-stepped like
a pro. Best of all, the staff took multiple photos of all our activities - and
on our last day, we could purchase copies of whichever shots we wanted. My
only complaint was that there were no picture postcards of Bastrop available in
the local stores. Hey, I had my first sentence all set - "Greetings from the
Planet of the Apes!"

Re-reading this letter, I only have one qualm - it just doesn't capture both
the profundity and the fun of the Bastrop week. The only way to
do that is - try the Science Park Elderhostel yourself! - Mary J.
& Phil Zenchoff

* * *

Resources Wanted and Available

AWI Offers Enrichment Advice

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) has long been interested in
improvements in the housing and handling of nonhuman primates used in
laboratories. Refinement techniques, which have been tested and implemented at
the macaque colony of the Wisconsin RPRC, provide inexpensive but safe
stimulation for expression of social behavior and a variety of other
species-typical activities. These include training techniques to ensure the
animals' cooperation during routine handling procedures, thus minimizing
distress reactions.

Developed and implemented by ethologist and former WRPRC veterinarian Viktor
Reinhardt, the innovations reflect the spirit of the Animal Welfare Act. AWI
encourages other institutions to make use of Dr. Reinhardt's expertise and
incorporate some of his ideas into their own plans. A 60-slide series entitled
"Environmental Enhancement for Caged Rhesus Macaques" and a written summary are
available on loan from AWI, P.O. Box 3650, Washington D.C. 20007 [fax: 202-338
9478; e-mail: awi@igc.apc.org]. This series, including summary text and
pictures, are available on the Primate Enrichment Forum website at its new
address, <www.primate.edu/pin/pef>, on the Wisconsin Primate
Center server on which the Center has generously donated space.

Dr. Reinhardt will visit interested institutions to offer advice on improving
primate housing and handling. AWI will cover consultant fees and lodging
expenses. Travel expenses must be covered by the institution. If you are
interested in having Dr. Reinhardt visit your institution as a consultant,
please contact him at 4605 Crescent Road, Madison, WI 53711 [608-274-9056;
e-mail: afreinha@facstaff.wisc.edu].

Geographic Information Systems and Conservation

Cedric Campbell Muir is studying population genetics of the orangutan. He has
enlisted the help of some computer people to help create some 3-D maps of the
Borneo area using USGS bathometry data (geo-topology matrix). They have
created videos which simulate the geographic effect of glacially induced sea
level and other changes which allow a "fly-by" perspective of the landscape.
He has found these "very useful...to examine possible migratory pathways which
have historically been available (e.g., an extensive `land bridge' which joined
the islands of Borneo, Java, Sumatra, and the S. Asian mainland)." You can see
some demo videos on his web page:
darwin.mbb.sfu.ca/imbb/beckenbach/cam.html. To view the video, you
will need to have a video plug-in (right click on a PC) or be accessing the web
through Windows 95 (or newer). An article with all the technical details of
how the videos were created has been submitted to an electronic journal,
assemblage, and is currently in review. For more information, you may
contact Dr. Muir at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon
Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C., Canada, V5A 1S6 [e-mail:
cmuir@sfu.ca]. - Posted to Primate-Talk

CSU Library Needs Books and Journals

The campus of Colorado State University was damaged in a flash flood on 28
July. CSU's Library was especially hard hit. The Library is nearing the end
of a major expansion, and a large part of its holdings was housed in the
basement in anticipation of completion of the expansion later this year. The
basement suffered extensive damage, and the Library lost all of its
bound journals, some 18,000 subscriptions, plus a large number of books. An
effort is underway to rebuild the collection, but it will be years before this
task is completed.

Kathy Packard, of CSU's Department of Biology, has written asking for help.
If anyone nearing retirement is interested in donating back issues of journals
or scholarly books to a worthy cause, please consider making the donation to
CSU's Library. [Editor's note: We have offered a complete back set of the
LPN.]

If you have resources to share, please contact Joel Rutstein, Library,
Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO 80523 [e-mail:
jrutstei@manta.library.ColoState.edu], who will be coordinating
donations. He asks for your patience: Library staff are stretched thin as
they try to cope with the flood as well as day-to-day running of the Library.

* * *

Environmental Enrichment - Letter From A Zookeeper

Christine Mallar
Zoo Atlanta

Our awareness as animal care professionals has certainly changed in the
past few years about the importance of enrichment for captive animals - it's
not just important, it's as necessary as food and water. If an animal in a
research setting is stressed, it may very well affect his physical well-being,
immune system, etc. which may in turn affect the data people are seeking. In a
zoo setting, mentally and physically healthy animals exhibit the most natural
behaviors for the public and are the ones producing healthy offspring.
However, there is a time lag between the evolution of this consciousness and
the policies of the institutions involved. This is most clearly seen in the
meager allotment of funds to purchase enrichment items. Another area of
concern (a pet peeve of mine) is the statement "the animals really liked it,
but they made such a mess with it that the caretakers wouldn't give it
anymore". I have read this several times during a discussion of enrichment
"failures" on the enrichment e-mail discussion group on line and have been
wanting to discuss it ever since. As a zookeeper, often a cleaner of hideous
messes, I feel I can speak to this issue from both perspectives: benefit to the
animals and cost to the caretakers.

When I first became a keeper seven years ago, enrichment was considered a
luxury - if you had the time maybe you'd do it, but if you're short staffed,
it's the thing you'd skip. However, a few of us very quickly learned its value
in preventing behavioral problems that create far more headache and heartache
in the long run. When we attempted to implement it regularly, we were
sometimes ridiculed by administrators and other keepers, and accused of
frittering away our time "playing" with the animals. When we began a positive
reinforcement training program, we had to sneak sessions in during our lunch
hours. Then, as we started seeing results - our animals were accepting
injections voluntarily, easily shifting into squeeze cages, and letting us
treat topical wounds - most of the others began to accept the value of such
programs and became our strong supporters. Since then, we have made simple
enrichment part of the everyday routine: we have a blank calendar with each
square filled in, so the keeper just looks at it each day and knows, for
example, it's cardboard box day, gives out boxes, and initials the calendar.
Cleaning up those box fragments becomes part of cleaning that cage. Just as
feces are a fact of life in a monkey cage, so now is some paper or a pile of
hay.

The lag we still see is in staffing - caretakers should not be forced to omit
enrichment because they cannot complete their tasks otherwise. In the same way
that a budget must include buying enrichment items, it is imperative that there
be enough people to handle the new tasks. Likewise, enrichment should be part
of a keeper's routine, part of the job description, and part of the understood
duties for the day. A keeper who doesn't medicate an animal because it's too
much trouble to grind up a pill would obviously be held accountable. This has
to happen with enrichment as well. If someone can't or won't do it, there are
other people out there who would gladly fill that position and pick up that
ball (or should I say - give that ball to a monkey). - From a posting
to Primate Enrichment Forum, 25 July 1997

* * *

Travelers' Health Notes: Pyronaridine: A New Antimalarial Agent

The WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical
Diseases (TDR) is developing a new antimalarial agent, pyronaridine, for the
treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Pyronaridine is a blood schizontocide that
was first synthesized in China in 1970. Available data do not support
international registration of the drug, yet they do indicate that it may
be effective for the treatment of chloroquine-resistant malaria and that it is
well tolerated after oral administration.

TDR is currently conducting a series of Phase I and IIa clinical trials with a
newly designed capsule formulation of pyronaridine that has a better
pharmacokinetic profile than the previously available tablet manufactured in
China and coated for enteric absorption. These trials have been designed to
characterize the pharmacokinetic profile, clinically effective dose, safety,
and efficacy of the new capsule formulation of pyronaridine when used for the
treatment of uncomplicated malaria. - From the TDR Newsletter 53,
June 1997

The Hastings Center has several programs for scholars in various fields
of ethics, at various educational levels. Contact Strachan Donnelley, Director
of Education, Hastings Center, 255 Elm Rd, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
[914-762-8500; fax: 914-762-2124] for information about the Student Intern
Program, for research in an area of bioethical issues; the International
Biomedical Ethics Research Program, for advanced scholars and medical
professionals who have made or will make significant contributions to bioethics
in their countries; the Journalist-in-Residence Program, giving
journalists covering medical and scientific issues up to a month to perform
research on topics of interest to their readers; and the Visiting Scholar
Program, in which professionals in the academic, biomedical, or legal
fields perform research on ethical issues in medicine, biosciences, or related
fields.

Internship in Research and Animal Behavior, Kansas

The Sedwick County Zoo is developing an internship program in the area of
research and animal behavior. The program will be designed to train students
to conduct research in the zoo setting. Projects will range from observational
studies of animals in their environments, to biological studies of such diverse
topics as stress and reproduction.

The students sought are: * Juniors, seniors, and graduate students in the
fields of comparative psychology, psychobiology, zoology, and related fields. *
Those who have had at least one semester of statistics, one semester of animal
behavior, and at least classroom experience in research methods. *
Self-starters and self-motivators. * Those able to work flexible and
sometimes unusual hours. * Those who have good library skills. A GPA of at
least 3.0 is recommended.

Students will be expected to write proposals, gather data, conduct literature
searches, and accept other research responsibilities. While it is expected
students will understand the basics of these areas, they will be taught how to
conduct such tasks. Some projects will call for hands-on opportunities with
the zoo collection, while others will focus more on samples and/or
observation.

The Department of Comparative Medicine at the University of Washington
is inviting applications for postdoctoral training positions starting on or
after July 1, 1998. This program is designed to provide individuals with a
broad foundation to build a career in teaching, research, and service in the
laboratory animal medicine field and to prepare them for ACLAM board
certification. Candidates with a strong interest in research are sought. One
year of clinical training in laboratory animal medicine supported by the
University is followed by three years of research training which is supported
by an National Center for Research Resources (NIH) training grant. Financial
support for the training includes stipend support ($23,772 for the first-year
internship, and $20,292 to $32,300 per year, commensurate with experience, for
the three years of research training), travel, medical/dental insurance, and
partial support of tuition (in accordance with NIH policies). Prerequisite for
the program is a veterinary medical degree (D.V.M.) or equivalent.
Opportunities exist for qualified trainees to pursue advanced study for a M.S.
or Ph.D. degree. To be eligible for support, individuals must be U.S. citizens
or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S. at the time
of appointment. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
Persons interested in exploring the opportunity further may request a brochure
containing a more detailed program description and an application by contacting
Ms. Alice Ruff, Dept of Comp. Med., Univ. of Washington, Box 357190, Seattle,
WA, 98195-7190. The University of Washington is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer; individuals from minority groups that
are underrepresented nationally in the biomedical and behavioral sciences are
encouraged to apply.

Skilled Field Assistants, Suriname

Skilled field assistants are sought for a 3-year project observing monkeys in
Raleighvallen, Suriname. For each year of the study, at least two field
assistants are needed to collect detailed data on squirrel monkey (and to a
lesser extent capuchin) behavior as well as fruit and arthropod phenology. The
data gathered in this Surinamese field project will be used in detailed
comparisons with previous studies of the behavior and ecology of squirrel
monkeys in Costa Rica and Peru.

An extended time committment is required. Other important qualifications
include: 1) proven ability to collect detailed behavioral data of publishable
quality; 2) field experience in the tropics, preferably wet tropics, or at
least some field courses; 3) some graduate coursework or stellar undergraduate
performance; 4) resourcefulness, willingness to work hard, and ability to live
closely with others; 5) knowledge of New World primates; 6) strong
recommendations.

Assistants, given reasonable success in the field, will be included as
co-authors on at least some of the resulting publications. Those participating
in the analysis and writing of manuscripts will be recognized with
co-authorship of additional publications. Moreover, successful field
assistants will be given glowing recommendations and other support useful for
admittance to graduate programs, fellowships, jobs, etc. In addition to
round-trip airfare and glorious camp cuisine, there will be modest monthly
salaries. A permanent, comfortable field camp is being constructed. Other
remunerations come from the pristine tropical wet forest community at
Raleighvallen, including jaguars, giant river otters, cock-of-the-rock, harpy
eagles, and eight species of primates. Experience worth more than mere money
is available in abundance!

The application deadline is the end of October, 1997 for the first year's
field assistants. Late January, 1998, is the target start-up date. Contact Sue
Boinski, Department of Anthropology, 1350 Turlington Hall, University of
Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-7305 [352-392-2031; fax: 352-392-6929; e-mail:
Boinski@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu]. Please send e-mail or phone, if at all
possible.

Tropical Ecology and Conservation Biology Course

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Cleveland State University are offering a
course entitled "Field experience in Tropical Ecology and Conservation Biology"
on December 1-19, 1997. The course is taught in the tropical dry forest of
western Venezuela. Primate species occurring at the site include red howlers,
hybrid spider monkeys, and white-fronted capuchins. Students can study habitat
use and activity patterns of these monkeys as well as participate in other
studies. Program costs are approximately $2000/student, which includes
airfare, lodging, ground transportation and most meals. For more informtion
contact Tammie Bettinger, Research Coordinator, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,
Brookside Park, Cleveland, OH 44109[216-661-6500 ext. 214; e-mail:
Tammieb@ix.netcom.com].

* * *

Volunteer Opportunity: "HELP Congo"

"HELP Congo" ("Habitat Ecologique et Liberté des Primates") is
a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of ex-captive
chimpanzees in the Conkouati Sanctuary, South Congo (near Pointe Noire). Since
1990, HELP has been taking care of seized orphan chimpanzees. Today, a total
of 45 young chimpanzees are kept on several small islands and supplemented with
food.

In November 1996, Caroline Tutin and other primatologists organized the first
release operation. Seven chimpanzees were released into the Triangle area, a
larger island with crossing paths to the main land, which already supports a
small wild chimpanzee population. The released chimps were fitted with
radio-collars, so their movements and basic activities can be monitored. HELP
activities in the Coukouati Sanctuary also include a program of public
awareness in the local communities (anti-poaching), the establishment of a tree
nursery, and the development of ecotourism.

HELP is currently looking for volunteers to assist in various activities
(ecological data collection on released chimpanzees, care of the 45 orphan
chimps, public awareness and local capacity building, veterinary and
administrative aspects, etc.). Volunteers may come for at least one month, but
long-term involvements (3 months or more) are strongly encouraged. Background
in primatology, eco-ethology, or telemetry and prior field work experience are
preferred but not necessary. Volunteers must be able to cover their airfares
and their living expenses in the Conkouati Sanctuary (allow US$900 per
month).

HELP is also currently raising funds to purchase telemetry and forestry
equipment for future release operations (US$5,500). Any suggestion on
potential funding sources is welcome.

For more information, visit the HELP Congo site at
<http://www.cybsnack.mnet.fr/conk.html> or contact: Sophie
Descamps [33-4.67.74.27.84; e-mail: descamps@mnet.fr].

* * *

Information Requested or Available

Colobus Update

Wakuluzu Friends of the Colobus Trust, a conservation
organization based in Diani Beach, Kenya, is charged with the conservation of
the Angolan colobus monkey. This species is disappearing with forest loss,
road kills and electrocution on high voltage wires. Every two months a
two-page Update is printed and distributed locally and further afield.
It is aimed at raising public awareness, and is fun and informative. To
receive a copy, contact Paula Kahumbu, Secretary, Wakuluzu Friends of the
Colobus Trust, P.O. Box 5380, Diani Beach, Kenya [254-127-3519/7; fax 3223;
e-mail: paula@users.africaonline.co.ke].

Primate-Talk Directory Name Change

The Primate-Talk "Directory of Members" has recently been renamed the World
Directory of Primatologists (WDP) to reflect the fact that it's not really tied
to membership on the Primate-Talk mailing list. The Directory's Web location
is now a little different. You can view it at:
<www.primate.wisc.edu/pin/wdp/>

* Distance Sampling, a new forum for sharing ideas and
information about distance sampling survey methods. Distance sampling is a
widely used technique for estimating the abundance of biological populations.
Methods include line transects, point transects (variable circular plots), cue
counting, trapping webs, and migration counts. To join, send an e-mail message
to the address mailbase@mailbase.ac.uk with the following message:
"join distance-sampling Firstname Lastname" Mail questions about the list to
the list administrator at distance-sampling-request@mailbase.ac.uk

* A mailing list for Neurosciences: a moderated list including
everything from molecular neurobiology to clinical neuroscience. To subscribe,
send e-mail to Majordomo@list.pitt.edu with the message in the body:
"subscribe neurosci" or "subscribe neurosci-digest".

Hunting/Bushmeat Bibliography

Persons concerned about great apes and other endangered animals are invited to
use and contribute to a working bibliography being developed on hunting and
bushmeat commerce in West and Central Africa. With over two hundred entries,
this already may be the largest organized reference list on such topics.
However, it is far from finished. More input is needed to make this a
comprehensive tool which can be used to substantiate and direct programs to
stop the commercial slaughter of endangered animals for their meat.

A first draft of the bibliography can be accessed now through the web page at
<biosynergy.org/bushmeat/>. Future drafts will include
annotations, additional references, and new sections. Some material will be
omitted and much more added. Unpublished talks and position papers will
eventually be separated out from published work. The quality and usefulness of
this tool will depend in large part on your support.

Authors who have done work in areas related to hunting and bushmeat commerce
are hereby urged to send us your citations and abstracts. If we have left out
or mis-cited something you have done, please forward the corrections. Persons
familiar with written work on these topics are invited to contribute titles and
brief annotations describing the materials and how to access them. Anyone with
ideas for expanding the topics covered, please send your recommendations. And
if you have a bibliography on these topics, please contact us so we can merge
the works and include you in the list of "compilers." Contact Anthony L. Rose,
The Biosynergy Institute/Bushmeat Project, P.O. Box 488, Hermosa Beach, CA
90254 [310-379-1470; fax: 310-379-7042; e-mail:
biblio@biosynergy.org].

Mimicry in Primates

Clara Jones is seeking any information, speculations, anecdotes, etc.
regarding Mimicry in primates (including social mimicry, as in social
parasitism). "I am especially interested in receiving feedback about
observations that are not included in Napier & Napier (1967), in
Wickler's work, and in my Neotropical Primates note (1995). I am also
interested in any cases of developmental mimicry, for example, delayed
maturation in male mantled howler monkeys, who resemble adolescent females. I
appreciate and will acknowledge any responses." Send information to Clara B.
Jones, Ph.D., 1406 East Front St, Plainfield, NJ 07062 [e-mail:
cebus@intac.com].

*Primate Research Lab., Univ. of South Alabama's Neotropical
Primates website with a variety of husbandry and clinical information,
including clinical chemistry and hematology values:
<www.saimiri.usouthal.edu/prl>.

* VetBase, database of doses of veterinary drugs derived from the literature,
contains references to over 12,000 doses for 800 veterinary drugs in 130
species. A free demo version of VetBase, fully functional, but only for
antithelminthics in rodents, can be downloaded from
<oslovet.veths.no/databasesintro.html#VetBase>

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) has announced free web-based MEDLINE
accessible through PubMed and Internet Grateful Med. PubMed is an experimental
search system that provides free access to MEDLINE in a single search. The
search features include: * Sets of related articles pre-computed for each
article in MEDLINE; * Choice of search interfaces from simple keywords to
advanced Boolean expressions; * Searching by main topics and
subheadings index terms and field restrictions; * Links to publishers' Web sites for
full-text journals. Initially 24 journals are available, some by subscription
only; Clinical query form with search filters for diagnosis, therapy and
prognosis; Links to molecular biology database of DNA/protein sequences and
3-D structure data.

Internet Grateful Med provides free access to MEDLINE, as well as AIDSLINE and
HealthSTAR. The features include: * Use of the full range of Medical Subject
Headings and the UMLS Metathesaurus; * Ability to limit searches by
language, publication type, age groups, etc., using pull-down menus; * Loansome
Doc document delivery service. A new version to be released in July will
include free access to several additional databases (AIDSDRUGS, AIDSTRIALS,
DIRLINE, HIST-LINE, HSRPROJ, OLDMEDLINE and SDILINE) and will no longer require
a User ID.

Free MEDLINE is limited to Web-based searching via the Internet because of
great savings to NLM in telecommunications and software costs. Thus, access to
all NLM nonWeb-based systems will continue to be billed (i.e., direct command
language searching of ELHILL; TOXNET; PDQ; and the DOS, Macintosh and Windows
versions of Grateful Med whether access is by direct dial, FTS2000, or the
Internet). Hot links to IGM and PubMed are available on the NLM home page (see URL above).

Primatology Syllabi

Larry Jacobsen, of the Wisconsin RPRC Library, has a section of his Primate
Information Network <www.primate.wisc.edu/pin> containing the
basic outlines of 14 different courses, mostly introductory, in primatology.
These include textbooks, videos, class assignments, projects, etc. This was
intended for faculty putting together a new course in primatology, but can be
useful for students or others. Look in the PIN under "Syllabi". Larry
welcomes new syllabi from others teaching such classes. Contact him at the
Library, Wisconsin RPRC, 1223 Capitol Ct, Madison, WI 53715-1299 [608-263-3512;
fax 608-263-4031; e-mail: jacobsen@primate.wisc.edu].

* * *

NAS Chimpanzee Committee Report

At the request of the National Institutes of Health, the Institute of
Laboratory Animal Resources, National Acad-emy of Sciences (NAS), appointed 12
experts in biomedical research, colony management, demography, population
genetics, conservation, and humane issues to provide recommendations on future
scientific needs for chimpanzees in biomedical research and their long-term
care.

Recommendations centered around: 1) the number of captive chimpanzees needed
for future research and how they might best be provided; 2) the number of
chimpanzees needed to provide offspring sufficient to meet future biomedical
requirements and sustain a U.S. chimpanzee population; 3) options for long-term
care and funding for chimpanzees no longer needed for research or breeding.

The committee also considered the following: population management strategies,
including birth control and selective euthanasia; research with animals no
longer needed for biomedical research; the role and mechanisms of
non-government organizations in managing these animals; and the roles of both
government and non-government agencies and institutions in providing support
and funding for long-term care facilities.

The committee's report, Chimpanzees In Research: Strategies For Their
Ethical Care, Management, And Use, were made public on July 16, 1997. The
Committee suggests the existing chimpanzee population is more than adequate to
meet research needs for at least five years. Moreover, increasing the number of
chimpanzees maintained in the major NlH-supported biomedical chimpanzee
facilities would risk eroding the quality of their care as a result of
overcrowding, pressure on limited resources, and contamination of breeding and
other research-naive animals by those used in infectious-disease studies.
Therefore, the following recommendations were made:

(1) A breeding moratorium should be imposed for at least five years
(1997-2001).

(2) Euthanasia should not be endorsed as a general means of population
control.

(3) A core population of approximately 1,000 chimpanzees should be assured
lifetme support by the federal government, and ownership of these animals
should be transferred to the government.

(4) The concept of sanctuaries capable of providing for the long-term care and
well-being of chimpanzees that are no longer needed for research and breeding
should become an integral component of the strategic plan to achieve the best
and most cost-effective solutions to the current dilemma.

(5) A single multiagency organized unit, the Chimpanzee Management Plan (ChiMP)
should be established within the office of the Director of the National
Institutes of Health, or as described below, and be given direct administrative
and fiscal responsibility for government-owned animals that are considered
necessary to meet current and long-term national needs.

(6) An appropriate advisory council of non-government experts should be
created as a chartered committee for the purpose of establishing policies of
ChiMP and for monitoring the short-term and long-term implications of these
recommendations, including implications for research use, breeding colony size,
demography, genetics, and long-term care.
Copies of the full report are available from the National Academy Press, 2101
Constitution Ave N.W., Washington, DC 20418. -From the Primate Foundation of
Arizona's NEWSLETTER, 1997, 9[1], 4-5.
* * *

Planned 1998 Revision of Directory of Graduate Programs
in Primatology and Primate Research

An updated Directory will be published in the January, 1998, issue of
the Laboratory Primate Newsletter. If you wish your program to be
represented in this Directory or to revise your present entry, please send us
the necessary information, following the format shown here as closely as
possible. Return the information as soon as possible, but not later than
December 1, 1997, to the Laboratory Primate Newsletter, Psychology
Department, Box 1853, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
[primate@brownvm.brown.edu]. Please note that the Directory is not
intended for postdoctoral programs, though any such sent to us will be listed
separately.

For examples, see the 1996 Directory in the LPN, 1996, 34[1],
21-30. Recommended format:

Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, FL, is hosting Zoos Committing to
Conservation, a conference "to help determine the role zoos and aquariums
will play in conservation in the 21st century," December 11-14, 1997. For more
information, contact Zoo Dept, Busch Gardens, P.O. Box 9158, Tampa, FL
33674-9158 [813-987-5447; fax: 813-987-5548].

The Third Annual International Wildlife Law Conference will take place
at American University's School of Law in Washington, DC on March 31, 1998,
sponsored by the GreenLife Society and co-sponsored by the American Society of
International Law's Wildlife Section; the GreenLife Society-North American
Chapter; Detroit College of Law-Michigan State University; American University
School of Law; the Journal of Wildlife Management Law & Policy; and
the Department of Law, University of Nottingham. The panels for the conference
will be: The Interface of the World Trade Organization and International
Wildlife Treaty Regimes/National Wildlife Conservation Legislation; Sustainable
Use of Wildlife: Opportunity or Oxymoron? and Regional Wildlife Treaty Regimes:
Problems and Prospects. Those interested in participating in the conference
should submit 1-2 page abstracts to the address below. Limited funds may be
available for speakers traveling from outside the United States. To be placed
on the mailing list for program/registration materials, contact Wil Burns,
Exec. Dir., GreenLife Soc.-North American Chapter, 700 Cragmont Ave., Berkeley,
CA 94708 [510-558-0620; e-mail: greenlifesociety@msn.com;
<EELINK.umich.edu/greenlife/index.html>].

The Animal Behavior Society's Annual Meeting will be held July 18-22,
1998, hosted by Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. For information,
contact Lee Drickamer [e-mail: Drickamer@zoology.siu.edu].

* * *

Invitation to 1998 ASP Meeting in Texas

The Twenty-first meeting of the American Society of Primatologists will
be cohosted by Southwestern University, in Georgetown, TX, and the University
of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, in Bastrop, TX, June
28-July 1, 1998. The majority of events will take place on the Southwestern
Univ. campus, but a tour, the banquet, dance, and closing ceremonies will occur
at the Science Park on July 1. Standing committee meetings will be held on the
afternoon of Sunday, June 28, followed by a reception for all registrants.
Scientific sessions will begin on Monday morning and continue through Wednesday
afternoon.

Reasonably priced, fully air-conditioned dormitory accomodations are available
for all participants, and will include breakfast and lunch in the dining hall.
Meeting rooms, dormitories, and the dining hall are all located within a
2-minute walk. There are three motels in Georgetown, for those who do not wish
to stay in the dorms, and there is free parking on campus.

It will be very hot, but there are plenty of indoor activities available on
campus, including a track, swimming pool, racquetball and basketball courts,
weight room, etc. For more information, or answers to questions about the
meeting, or about Texas, contact the Chair of the Local Arrangements Committee,
Steve Schapiro, UTMDA Cancer Center, Rte 2, Box 151-B1, Bastrop, TX 78602
[521-321-3991; e-mail: an83000@mdacc.mda.uth.tmc.edu].

* * *

International Primatological Society - New Date

The 1998 meeting of the International Primatological Society will take place
9-14 August at the University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar. Note
that this is a change from the date previously announced!

This Congress is intended to promote good science and discussion of research
concerns. The deadline for registration and submission of poster or paper
abstracts is February 1, 1998. Registration fees are US$300 for regular
members; $100 for students; $350 for guests. After February 1, 1998, rates
increase by $50. Hotels and dormitories are within 2-8 km of the University.
Prices range from US$15 to US$192. Note the following deadlines: (1) Abstracts
for symposia, workshops and roundtable discussions: October 31, 1997; (2)
Reservations for dormitories: January 1, 1998; (3) Registration; abstracts for
posters and papers: February 1, 1998; and (4) Reservations for hotels: May 1,
1998. For registration materials and Congress information, contact XVIIth
Congress of the International Primatological Society, Faculty of Sciences, Bldg
P, Door 207, P.O. Box 906, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar [261 26991, ext. 24;
fax: 261-2-31398]. For hotel accommodations, contact Mlle. Hanitra Ramaroson,
Maison du Tourisme, Palace de l'Independance Antaninarenina, Antananarivo 101,
Madagascar [261-2-32529; fax: 261-2-32537]. For dormitory accommodations
contact Mr. Soava Rakotoarisoa at the Congress Secretariat (address above).

* * *

Workshop Announcements: Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research

Measuring Behavior `98, the second international workshop on measuring
behavior, will address the integration of advanced behavioral research with
physiological measurements. New developments both in the behavioral and
physiological sciences make such an integration feasible. The development of
techniques and generic software tools can form a bridge between disciplines,
which are often unaware of techniques already available in other fields. For
example, data analysis methods stemming from ethology are now being used by
applied psychologists, and path analysis techniques originally designed by
entomologists are proving useful for behavioral pharmacologists studying
rodents. Moreover, recent developments in radiotelemetry, brain imaging, chip
technology and biosensor techniques originally used by physiologists are now
being used for simultaneous recording of physiological processes and behavior.
The sponsors hope that Measuring Behavior `98, like Measuring Behavior `96,
will serve as a common ground for crossfertilization of research disciplines.

Awards Granted

Larry Jacobsen is Distinguished, too!

Congratulations to Larry Jacobsen, head of Library Services at the
Wisconsin RPRC, who received a Distinguished Service Award from the American
Primatology Society at its meeting this June in San Diego. Larry is well known
in the world primate community, not only for his services to the WRPRC, but as
the originator of Primate-Talk, the on-line discussion group, and the
Primate Information Network on the World Wide Web.

Conservation Awards at ASP

Also honored at the June meeting were Nancy Czekala-Gruber, of San
Diego, CA, for her extensive work in the reproductive biology of primates, and
Jeremy J. C. Mallinson of the Wildlife Preservation Trust. Czekala-Gruber and
Mallinson each received a "Senior Biology and Conservation Award." The
Conservation Award, which carries a prize of $500, went to Juan Carlos Serio
Silva of Mexico "for his efforts to preserve the habitats and primates of
Mexico through his field research, teaching, and outreach efforts." Juan
Carlos, who published "Studies of Howler Monkeys (Alouatta palliata)
Translocated to a Neotropical Rainforest Fragment" in the January, 1997,
issue of the LPN, is responsible for the new Latin-America page,
"Primates de las Américas - La Página....", announced on
p. 20 of this issue.

* * *

News Briefs

Project Betampona: Lemur Restocking Project

In cooperation with Malagasy authorities, the Madagascar Fauna Group, an
international consortium of 30 zoological institutions, is moving forward with
plans to re-stock black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata
variegata) at the Natural Reserve of Betampona, a small (2228 ha) reserve
in eastern Madagascar. Betampona is the sole forested mountain range in a vast
region where eastern lowland forest has been lost to cultivation. A small
Varecia population, at least eight other lemur taxa, and many bird,
reptile, and other species will all benefit from increased protection brought
by the project. Goals include the development and testing of reintroduction
protocols for lemurs, and the integration of captive breeding programs with
efforts to increase the viability of Betampona's remaining wild Varcia
population. With preliminary behavioral, ecological, and genetic research
completed and most of the necessary funds raised (funded in part by a grant
from the Walt Disney World Company through AZA's Conservation Endowment Fund),
captive-bred animals from the Ruffed Lemur Species Survival Plan population
have been selected for release by the AZA Prosimian Advisory Group. Pairs have
been formed and are now in "boot camp" at Duke University Primate Center and
the Wildlife Conservation Society's St. Catherine's Wildlife Survival Center,
located in Georgia, to prepare them for life in the wild. - From
Endangered Species Update, March/April, 1997

Primate Imports in 1997 to Date

Shirley McGreal reported on Primate-Talk that IPPL had received from
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service a list of live primate imports to the United
States from 1 January-2 June 1997. "There may be other shipments not yet
entered into the USFWS computer system. There were, according to USFWS, 28
shipments totalling 2691 primates valued at $3,255,124."

Primate Use in Fiscal Year 1996

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's FY96 Animal Welfare Enforcement Report
indicates that 52,327 nonhuman primates were "in use" in laboratories during
last fiscal year. This is to be compared with 55,113 in FY94 and 50,206 in
FY95. The National Association for Biomedical Research, in reporting these
figures, notes that an "accurate count of primates is difficult to obtain
because they live long lives in captivity, and the same animals may be reported
over and over from one year to the next."

Another Monkey Species Found in Brazil

A Dutch scientist has proven that a monkey species in the Brazilian rain
forest is the world's second smallest monkey species.

A local man arrived at Marc Van Roosmalen's primate orphanage in Manaus, 1,800
miles northwest of Rio de Janeiro, in April, 1996, carrying a tiny monkey. It
was mouse-size and greenish-gray, with white fringe around its face, a black
crown, and a black tail. "As soon as I saw it I knew it was something new,"
Van Roosmalen said via telephone from Manaus.

Van Roosmalen identified the monkey as a black-headed Saguinus dwarf.
To prove it was a new species, he needed to find a few more of them, but all he
knew was that the monkey had been found on a boat on the Rio Madeira. After
more than a year of hiking in the jungle, he located them near the Rio
Aripuana.

DNA testing confirmed it was a new species in the Saguinus genus. The
name Van Roosmalen used will stand until a full scientific description and
formal name can be published; it is expected in the Brazilian journal
Goeldiana later this year. - Associated Press, August 19,
1997

Fire in Poco das Antas Reserve

A raging fire has destroyed about one-sixth of the Poco das Antas
nature reserve, which houses a colony of 350 endangered monkeys, ecologists in
Brazil said on August 20. Some 700 hectares of the 5,000-hectare reserve had
been destroyed by the blaze, putting at risk the entire population of rare
golden lion-tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia), many of which are
descendents of monkeys born and raised in zoos. The nature park also houses
other animal species, including birds, deer, lynx, otters, snakes, and sloths,
as well as various native plants.

Park director Dionisio Pessamilio said arson is suspected. "Since spontaneous
combustion is impossible, the only hypothesis is a criminal fire," Pessamilio
said.

More than 50 firefighters tried to extinguish the fire, which broke out on
August 18. Firefighters were assisted by workers from Brazil's Environmental
Institute. The fire is the worst since 1,500 hectares of parkland in the Poco
das Antas was destroyed in a 1991 blaze. - Posted to Primate-Talk by Robert
Beale, from a report by Agence France Presse

* * *

Positions Available

Director, Lab. Animal Resources, Massachusetts

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is seeking a professional to serve
as Director of Laboratory Animal Resources for a newly restructured and
expanded department. During the past several years MGH and its affiliated
partners have experienced significant growth in rodent, primate, and swine
utilization. This has led to developments that include the recently opened MGH
Core Knockout Facility and the expansion of the primate and swine facilities.

As a result of these developments, we are seeking an experienced Director who
will administer centralized Animal Resources and provide broad management of
the department. The Director will oversee a staff of 45 (including
veterinarians) and will work with a large and exceptional staff of research
investigators, ensuring that highest quality care and services are provided.
The Director will monitor the Animal Health Surveillance Program, serve on the
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and work with the senior
institutional veterinarian and executive management to ensure continued AAALAC
accreditation and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Qualifications required include a Doctorate in veterinary medicine
(D.V.M./V.M.D.), post-doctoral training in laboratory animal medicine, and
board certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. A
minimum of five years of additional management experience is needed. Excellent
communication and interpersonal skills are required.

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey
School of Medicine Research Animal Facility, has an immediate opening for a
Clinical Veterinarian. This busy, 31,500 sq.-ft., AAALAC-accredited facility,
serving the UMDNJ-Newark Campus including the Medical School, the Dental
School, the Graduate School, and the School of Health Sciences, houses a
variety of species and supports many different research projects. The
successful candidate will supervise three veterinary technicians, be
responsible for the operation of the sterile surgery suite, manage the sentinel
surveillance program, be a voting member of the IACUC, and interact with
investigators in a stimulating academic environment. The position reports to
the Director.

Requirements include experience and/or training in comparative medicine and
laboratory animal medicine and good clinical and surgical skills. Excellent
interpersonal skills are a must. Preference will be given to a candidate who
has completed a training program in comparative and laboratory animal medicine.
Salary and compensation will be commensurate with training and experience.
UMDNJ-NJMS is an Affirmative Action Employer.

The World Wildlife Fund-Germany invites applications for a field director of
an on-going project to habituate western lowland gorillas for tourism in the
Dzanga-Sangha National Park, Central African Republic. The position is for one
year but is potentially renewable. Responsibilities include organizing,
conducting, and supervising habituation of gorillas and promoting eco-tourism.
The successful applicant will have completed at least a Bachelor's degree in a
related field, will have research experience with African primates in the wild,
(preferably with gorillas), and will be fluent in French. The study site is
located in a somewhat remote area and requires living in difficult
circumstances. A total of US$50,000 will be provided to cover transportation,
insurance, salary, and personal expenses. For more information, or to submit
an application, contact Allard Blom, WWF, B.P. 1053, Bangui, Central African
Republic [fax: 236-61-1085; e-mail: wwf-car@cgnet.com]. Applicants
should submit a letter of application, CV, and at least three letters of
recommendation.

Research Veterinarian, Pittsburgh

The Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at the University
of Pittsburgh seeks a research assistant professor who would also serve as
Research Veterinarian in the Infectious Diseases Primate Research Institute.
Candidates should posses a D.V.M. degree and be ACCLAM board certified in
laboratory animal science. Experience in primate husbandry is required, with
infectious disease research experience preferred. This person will be part of
a multidisciplinary research program using nonhuman primates in infectious
disease research, with emphasis on the pathogenesis of AIDS. S/he will
actively participate in research projects and infectious disease research, and
maintain procedures for containment of biohazardous infectious agents. Please
send a CV and 3 references to Dr. Michael Murphey-Corb, Dept of Molec. Genetics
& Biochem., Univ. of Pittsburgh School of Med., E1240 BSTWR, Pittsburgh, PA
15261. U-Pitts-burgh is an Affirmative Action Employer.

Positions Available, Primate Foundation of Arizona

Two full-time positions are available. The position of "Chimpanzee Caregiver"
requires two years of college level coursework, two years' experience in the
care of exotic animals, or an equivalent combination of experience which
provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability. Primate experience will
be a plus. This person will assist in caring for approximately 79 chimpanzees
(Pan troglodytes) in a breeding colony.

The second position is for a "Chimpanzee Registrar," a professional who will
maintain and develop computer records systems to account for inventory and
health status of the chimpanzee breeding colony. This person will work
directly with the Staff Veterinarian. Applicant must be proficient in Lotus
123 and WordPerfect, type a minimum of 40 WPM, and have good communication
skills. Experience in veterinary practice preferred.

Grants Available

Innovative Approaches to Develop New Technologies

The mission of the Biomedical Technology area of the National Center
for Research Resources (NCRR) is to support research to identify, create and
develop innovative technologies and to provide these technologies for
biomedical research. Areas of emphasis are biomedical engineering, biomedical
computing, and technologies for the study of structure and function at all
levels of living systems. The purpose of this Program Announcement (PA) is to
encourage submission of new Exploratory/Developmental Grant applications to
explore new research paradigms in engineering, instrumentation, physical
sciences, mathematics, or computer science as applied to biomedical research.
The projects should provide the opportunity to develop new technologies,
methods, devices, and materials that provide greater understanding of
fundamental elements of biological phenomena. These efforts should lead to new
approaches to the solution of basic research questions in order to prevent,
diagnose, and treat disease and disability and ultimately to improve human
health. The technologies/instruments/ methodologies to be developed under this
program must be applicable to a variety of NIH research areas. Applications to
develop technologies that apply only to one categorical NIH institute or a
specific disease generally do not meet the guidelines for this program. Such
applications will be considered only if the applicant clearly demonstrates the
long-term potential of the technology for having a broad impact on biomedical
research.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invite applications for
investigator-initiated basic and preclinical research into the human mucosal
immune system and its regulation. Included are the gastrointestinal, oral,
respiratory, reproductive, and urinary mucosa, with their specialized
lymphoreticular structures and cells. The goal of this announcement is to
increase high quality research on the mechanisms of response of the human
mucosal immune system to disease-specific antigens. Use of primate models may
be appropriate. Increased understanding of the human mucosal immune system and
its response in disease and to exogenous factors should allow the design of
more rational immunotherapies and vaccines for the treatment or prevention of
autoimmune and infectious diseases, including HIV infection and its
complications.

The Division of AIDS (DAIDS), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID), invites applications for the discovery, preclinical
evaluation, development, and/or pilot clinical study of novel agents and
strategies to suppress HIV replication, interfere with disease progression, and
ameliorate the consequences of infection. The National Institute of Mental
Health invites applications to identify and treat the nervous system
complications of HIV infection that result in CNS dysfunction. The Integrated
Preclinical/Clinical Program (IPCP) described in this PA combines applications
for the National Cooperative Drug Discovery Groups for the Treatment of HIV
Infection, which supports preclinical discovery of new therapeutics;
applications from collaborative groups seeking transition from preclinical to
clinical studies during the award period; and applications for the Strategic
Program for Innovative Research on AIDS Treatment, which supports pilot
clinical studies of novel treatments. By combining these into a single PA, the
IPCP will provide a continuous spectrum of research opportunities to groups
interested in the discovery and development of new therapies for HIV infection.
This PA is designed for multi-disciplinary preclinical and clinical research
groups, each consisting of a minimum of three interrelated projects, in which
the participation of the private sector is strongly encouraged. Responsive
applications will involve creative and original therapeutic research that
emphasizes diverse facets of HIV infection. Excluded from this PA are targets
and approaches already under extensive investigation by academia and the
pharmaceutical sector, non-targeted random screening of potential inhibitors,
and research on AIDS-associated opportunistic pathogens and malignancies.

The preclinical portion of the IPCP supports the discovery and development of
a specific therapeutic approach or strategy in a concerted manner with obvious
contribution by and need for each project and core to the overall group
objective and development plan. A successful preclinical group should develop
a new therapeutic strategy that can subsequently be translated to clinical
evaluation.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) will support innovative,
integrated preclinical and clinical research to validate novel approaches and
identify potential compounds that are safe and effective short-term (to reduce
and stop cocaine and other psychomotor stimulants use) and long-term (to
prolong abstinence) pharmacotherapies for the treatment of cocaine and other
psychomotor stimulants addiction. A Strategic Program for Innovative Research
on Cocaine (and other psychomotor stimulants) Addiction Pharmacotherapy can
focus its therapeutic research activities on, for example, modulating specific
receptor sites, (e.g., the dopamine transporter, D3 receptor, a serotonin
receptor, etc,) or neurotransmitters that are believed to be involved in
cocaine and other psychomotor stimulants addiction, or on development of
biologically based anti-cocaine medications, such as antibodies, enzymes, and
catalytic antibodies, or on advancing the neurobiological understanding of
cocaine and other psychomotor stimulants addiction that will construct new
therapeutic concepts. Studies should have a truly novel or innovative approach.
This program complements existing, more traditional preclinical and clinical
programs for the development of cocaine and other psychomotor stimulants
treatment medications.

NIH invites applications that will elucidate basic mechanisms responsible for
inducing and maintaining antigen-specific immune tolerance, that will
facilitate translation of experimental knowledge on immune tolerance into
clinical therapies for the treatment or prevention of immune-mediated disease,
or that will promote more effective development of vaccines by preventing
pathogen-induced immune tolerance.

NIH invites applications for studies of the early stages of lymphoid
lineage commitment and development from hematopoietic stem cells. Although much
has been learned in recent years to enhance understanding of the later stages
of T, B and natural killer (NK) cell development, definition of the complex
processes that regulate lymphoid lineage commitment and early lymphoid
progenitor cell differentiation requires expanded research efforts. Work in
this area is expected to provide basic information needed for future
applications to human immunodeficiency diseases, autoimmune diseases,
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and gene transfer therapy.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, invite applications that propose
to investigate the "latent" phase of infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(M.tb) and the mechanism(s) by which M.tb is reactivated in some
hosts. For the purposes of this initiative, "the latent state" refers to that
state of infection during which clinical disease is inapparent, yet infection
of the host has been established. The mechanisms by which this phase
terminates in some hosts and persistent bacilli are re-activated, leading to
development of active disease, are also of interest.

The Division of Cancer Treatment, Diagnosis, and Centers (DCTDC) of the
National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites research grant applications from
interested investigators for preclinical exploration of the therapeutic
potential of new and novel chemical modifiers of radiation response of tumors.
Optimization of leads arising from the applicant's own work or from the
published literature should include the design and synthesis of new compounds,
using combinatorial chemistry, and preclinical evaluation in vitro and
in vivo.

The National Institutes of Health invite applications for studies to
further our understanding of the immune response to direct or indirect
presentation of allogeneic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and
to determine the contribution of each pathway to acute and chronic graft
rejection. Research to date has focused on direct recognition of allogeneic
MHC; therapies designed to block this pathway have been successful in reducing
acute rejection of transplanted organs. However, chronic rejection is still an
impediment to long-term survival. The indirect pathway of allorecognition has
recently been implicated primarily in chronic graft rejection; however, an
additional role for this pathway in the enhancement of acute rejection has
been suggested. Knowledge from basic, preclinical and clinical studies aimed
at characterizing the relative role of the direct and the indirect
allorecognition pathways in enhancing or preventing graft rejection could lead
to the development of specific interventions to modulate immune recognition
after transplantation and ultimately increase graft survival.

NIH invites applications for studies to further our understanding of
the role of minor histocompatibility antigens (MiHA) in graft vs. host disease
(GVHD) following bone marrow transplantation and the possible involvement of
MiHAs in chronic graft rejection of solid organ transplants. Most of the
research efforts to date have centered on the role of the major
histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens in rejection of transplanted tissues
and organs. This Program Announcement is directed at characterizing the
immunologic response to MiHA and at defining the manner and extent to which
that response affects successful long-term engraftment. The immune response to
MiHA is a major, if underappreciated, cause of graft failure in bone marrow
transplantation. This initiative is designed to promote research to
characterize the immunologic response to MiHA, and to attempt to define how
that response can be prevented to enhance graft survival. It will support
basic, pre-clinical, and clinical studies using molecular and cellular
approaches to dissect the immune response to these antigens. These studies may
lead to new information with the potential for clinical applications thereby
improving long-term graft survival in bone marrow and solid organ transplant
recipients.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and
the National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR), National Institutes of Health
(NIH), invite applications for research studies of the innate immune system.
Two general systems of immune recognition have been selected through evolution:
innate immunity and acquired immunity. The innate immune system provides
broad, but relatively nonspecific host defenses that lack the properties of
antigenic specificity and immunologic memory that characterize acquired
immunity. However, recent discoveries point to many robust mechanisms of
innate immunity and have highlighted important functional links between the
innate and acquired immune responses. The purpose of this announcement is to
support basic and preclinical studies of the mechanisms of innate immunity in
order to: a) develop new strategies to augment antimicrobial defenses; b)
develop novel approaches for immunomodulation in chronic infectious and
inflammatory disorders; and c) identify new methods, based on mechanisms of
innate immunity, to modulate acquired immune responses (e.g., to enhance
vaccine efficacy).

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and National
Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invite applications to enhance our
ability to transplant organs and tissues across species barriers
(xenotransplantation) by increasing our understanding of the human immune
response to antigens present on the surface of organs or tissues from nonhuman
species, and the development of methods to allow rapid identification and
treatment of infectious diseases that might occur by transmission of
disease-causing organisms across species barriers. This research would lead to
the development of new therapies to allow xenografts to survive and function in
humans and the generation of new, sensitive detection methods to decrease the
risk of infectious disease associated with xenotransplantation.

The National Institutes of Health are interested in stimulating a wide
range of basic and clinical studies to: characterize the role of tissue
inflammation in the pathogenesis of asthma and allergic diseases; identify
factors responsible for the initiation and maintenance of inflammation in
asthma and allergic diseases; and, based on this knowledge, develop new and
improved approaches to treat and prevent these disorders. For information,
contact Daniel Rotrosen, NIAID [301-496-8974; fax: 301-402-0175; e-mail:
dr17g@nih.gov]; Susan Banks-Schlegel, NHLBI [301-435-0202; fax:
301-480-3557; e-mail: Susan_Banks-Schlegel@nih.gov]; or George S.
Malindzak, Jr., NIEHS [919-541-3289; fax: 919-541-2843; e-mail:
gm26f@nih.gov].

Gene Therapy in Aging

The National Institute on Aging, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute,
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National
Institute of Mental Health, and National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke are interested in supporting research on strategies to prevent or
delay adverse aging-related changes and diseases, including neurodegenerative
disorders, using genetic and cellular engineering approaches.

The PA, which describes the research objectives, application procedures,
review considerations, and award criteria for this solicitation, may be
obtained electronically through the NIH Grant Line (data line 301/402-2221),
the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website
<www.nih.gov>, and by mail and e-mail from Huber R. Warner,
Biology of Aging Program, NIA, Gateway Bldg, Suite 2C231, Bethesda, MD
20892-9205 [301/496-6402; fax: 301/402-0010; e-mail:
warnerh@exmur.nia.nih.gov].

* * *

Social Notes

At the ASP meeting in San Diego, a large group of
primatologists were seen doing the latest dance craze, The
Macaque-arena! Developed by Sally Boysen and Steve Schapiro, refined by
Karyl Swartz, and renamed by Your Editor (the "old" name was simply
Monkeyrena), it's sure to be seen often in primate circles...or rather,
lines! Here are the steps: * wrist-present, wrist-present * floating limb,
floating limb * self-bite, self-bite * eye-poke, eye-poke * scratch, scratch *
threat, threat * PRESENT!

* * *

Recent Books and Articles

(Addresses are those of first authors)

Children's Books

*Tano & Binti: Two Chimpanzees Return to the Wild. A. &
L. DaVolls. New York, NY: Clarion Books, 1994. . . .
A picture book, based on the return to Gambia of two chimps from the London
Zoo.

* Animal Welfare Enforcement: Fiscal Year 1996 Report of the
Secretary of Agriculture to the President ofthe Senate and the Speaker
of the House of Representatives. [Free from Dr. Jerry DePoyster, USDA,
APHIS, AC, 4700 River Rd, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-4978; or can be
downloaded from <www.aphis.usda.gov/ac>]

* Program and abstracts of the twentieth annual meeting of the American
Society of Primatologists, June 27-July 1, 1997, The Bahia Hotel, San Diego,
CA. American Journal of Primatology, 1997, 42[2].

Anatomy & Physiology

* Hormonal response to restraint in rhesus monkeys. Gauquelin-Koch, G.,
Blanquie, J.-P., Viso, M., Florence, G., Milhaud, C., & Gharib, C. (C. G.,
Lab. Physiol. de l'Environ., Fac. de Méd. Lyon Grange-Blanche 8, Ave.
Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon cedex 08, France). Journal of Medical Primatology,
1996, 25, 387-396. . . .
Blood-volume-regulating hormones were measured in four adult male monkeys
during (1) 10 days in a metabolic cage; (2) 16 days restrained in a metabolism
chair; and (3) 10 days in the metabolic cage. An increase of active renin
(30%) and vasopressin (25%) was observed at the end of (2). A decrease of
atrial natriuretic peptide, urodilatin, and Na excretion occurred during the
first days of (2). A dramatic increase (tenfold) in urinary excretion of
growth hormone occurred during all of (2) and the beginning of (3).

* Development of spontaneous endometriosis in baboons. D'Hooghe, T. M., Bambra,
C. S., Raeymaekers, B. M., & Koninckx, P. R. (Dept of Ob/Gyn, University
Hospital Gasthuisberg, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium). Obstetrics &
Gynecology, 1996, 88, 462-466. . . .
Twenty-four baboons with laparoscopically confirmed normal pelves underwent
laparoscopies over 32 months. The cumulative incidence of minimal
endometriosis (proven by histology) was 64% up to 32 months of follow-up. The
8 baboons that developed proven endometriosis were followed over longer periods
of time and had undergone more laparoscopies than the animals that did not
develop the condition.

* IL-4 induced leucocyte trafficking in cynomolgus monkeys: Correlation
with expression of adhesion molecules and chemokine generation. Gundel, R.,
Lindell, D., Harris, P., Fournel, M., Jesmok, G., & Gerritsen, M. E.
(Preclinical Research, Bayer Corp., 400 Morgan Lane, West Haven, CT 06516).
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 1996, 26, 719-729. . . .
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) induces a selective recruitment of lymphocytes from the
vasculature while the number of neutrophils are increased in the circulation.
IL-4 treatment caused the percentage of CD16+ cells in the circulation to
decrease and induced a rapid and sustained increase in hematocrit. IL-4
induced the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on the
surface of the endothelium and caused a dramatic increase in plasma levels of
MCP-1. IL-4 may have a primary role in the early selective recruitment of
lymphocytes to sites of tissue inflammation by the induction of VCAM-1 and the
release of large amounts of potent chemoattractants, and may represent a target
in the development of new therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory
disease.

* Respiratory effects of opioid full and partial agonists in rhesus monkeys.
Libuori, A., Morse, W. H., & Bergman, J. (Harvard Med. School, NERPRC, Box
9102, 1 Pine Hill Dr., Southborough, MA 01772-9102). Journal of
Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, 1996, 277, 462-472. . . .
Respiratory and behavioral effects of the -selective opioids levorphanol,
methadone, and codeine and the mixed-action opioids buprenorphine, butorphanol,
and nalbuphine were studied in awake, seated rhesus monkeys wearing plastic
masks through which they breathed air or differing concentrations of CO2 mixed
in air. All opioids produced dose-dependent decreases in ventilation that were
more pronounced as the concentration of CO2 increased. In behavioral
experiments, all drugs produced dose-related decreases in responding under a
30-response fixed-ratio schedule.

* Vaccine protection by a triple deletion mutant of simian
immunodeficiency virus. Wyand, M. S., Manson, K. H., Garcia-Moll, M.,
Montefiori, D., & Desrosiers, R. C. (R. C. D., Address same as above).
Journal of Virology, 1996, 70, 3724-3733. . . .
Twelve rhesus monkeys were vaccinated with SIVmac316nef (lacking nef
sequences), and 12 were vaccinated with SIVmac2393 (lacking nef, vpr, and
upstream sequences in U3). Seventeen of the animals developed persistent
infections with the vaccine viruses. Seven, however, developed infections that
were apparently transient in nature. Six of these yielded virus from
peripheral blood when tested at weeks 2 and/or 3, three had transient antibody
responses, but none had persisting antibody responses. All 24 monkeys were
challenged with 10 rhesus monkey infectious doses of wild-type, pathogenic
SIVmac251 at weeks 8, 20, and 79 following receipt of vaccine. None of the 7
with apparently transient infections were protected upon subsequent challenge.
Analysis of cell-associated viral loads, CD4+ cell counts, and viral gene
sequences in the remainder of the monkeys led to these conclusions: 1) There
was a trend toward increased protection with length of time of vaccination. 2)
Solid vaccine protection was achieved by 79 weeks with the highly attenuated
SIV2393. 3) Solid long-term protection was achieved in at least 2 animals in
the absence of complete sterilizing immunity. 4) Genetic backbone appeared to
influence protective capacity: animals vaccinated with SIV2393 were better
protected than animals receiving SIV316nef. 5) The titer of virus-neutralizing
activity in serum on the day of challenge correlated with protection when
measured against a primary stock of SIVmac251, but not when measured against a
laboratory-passaged stock.

* Recombinant subunit vaccines as an approach to study correlates of
protection against primate lentivirus infection. Hu, S.-L., Polacino, P.,
Stallard, V., Klaniecki, J., Pennathur, S., Travis, B. M., Misher, L., Kornas,
H., Langlois, A. J., Morton, W. R., & Benveniste, R. E. (Bristol-Myers
Squibb Pharm. Res. Inst., 3005 First Ave, Seattle, WA 98121). Immunology
Letters, 1996, 51, 115-119. . . .
Envelope gp160 vaccines, when used in a live recombinant virus-priming and
subunit-protein-boosting regimen, protected long-tailed macaques against
low-dose intravenous infection by a cloned homologous virus SIVmne E11S. The
same regimen was also effective against intrarectal challenge by the same virus
and against intravenous challenge by E11S grown on primary macaque peripheral
blood mononuclear cells. However, only limited protection was observed against
uncloned SIVmne. Priming with live recombinant virus was more effective than
immunization with subunit gp160 alone, indicating a potential advantage of
native antigen presentation and the possible role of cell-mediated immunity in
protection. Whole gp160 was more effective than the surface antigen (gp130),
even though both antigens elicited similar levels of neutralizing antibodies.
These and other results indicate that multiple mechanisms may contribute to
protection. It may be advantageous to incorporate multiple antigens in the
design of recombinant subunit vaccines against AIDS.

* Seasonal trends in intestinal nematode infection and medicinal plant
use among chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania. Huffman, M. A.,
Gotoh, S., Turner, L. A., Hamai, M., & Yoshida, K. (Primate Res. Inst.,
Kyoto Univ., Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi 484, Japan). Primates, 1997, 38,
111-125. . . .
The incidence of nematode infections was analyzed, over two annual dry and
rainy season periods and a third rainy season, for seasonal trends to elucidate
the possible influence of parasite infection on previously reported seasonality
of medicinal plant use. Observations were consistent with previous reports for
increased use of these plants during the rainy season and with the hypothesis
that use of the plants is stimulated by presence of parasites.

* Immigration in wild groups of golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus
rosalia). Baker, A. J. & Dietz, J. M. Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W.
Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104). American Journal of Primatology,
1996, 38, 47-56. . . .
Seventeen territorial groups of wild golden lion tamarins were monitored for
10 to 76 months. Immigration into established groups was rare and occurred
mostly in the context of replacement of breeding individuals. Aggression by
resident tamarins toward potential immigrants appeared to be the proximate
factor limiting movement into groups. Most such aggression was intrasexual,
but potential female immigrants were sometimes chased by male as well as female
residents. Immigration was highly male-biased (85% of individuals). Factors
possibly contributing to this bias were inheritance of breeding positions by
adult daughters, ability of males but not females to join groups already
containing a same-sex breeding individual, and the fact that potential female
immigrants appeared to face some intersexual as well as intrasexual
aggression.

* Adsorptive capacity of charcoals eaten by Zanzibar red colobus monkeys:
Implications for reducing dietary toxins. Cooney, D. O. & Struhsaker, T.
T. (Dept of Chem. Engineering, Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071).
International Journal of Primatology, 1997, 18, 235-246. . . .
Colobus monkeys on Zanzibar eat charcoal from burned trees and lying near
kilns. Charcoal from burned stumps and from kilns were compared with
commercial activated charcoals for their ability to adsorb organic material.
The charcoal from kilns compared well to the commercial product, supporting the
hypothesis that the monkeys have learned to eat it to counteract toxicity due
to phenolic and similar compounds that occur in significant concentrations in
the Indian almond and mango leaves which constitute a major part of their
diet.

* Age-related changes in ovarian morphology from birth to menopause in the
Japanese monkey, Macaca fuscata fuscata. Nozaki, M., Yamashita, K.,
& Shimizu, K. (Sado Marine Biol. Station, Niigata Univ., Sado, Niigata
952-21, Japan). Primates, 1997, 38, 89-100. . . .
Ovarian morphology was studied in 47 nonlactating females of various ages,
ranging from newborn to 28 years. Ovary size increased during the first
decade of life, reached a plateau around 10 years, and declined gradually
thereafter. The ovarian cortex of newborn animals consisted of numerous
clusters of mitotic primordial germ cells, which were found up to 28 days of
age. Corpora lutea or corpora albicantia were found in ovaries more than 4
years old, while remnants (together with thick-walled blood vessels and
fibrosis) appeared in some ovaries after 16 years and were observed in most
after 26 years of age.

Disease

* Gongylonematiasis in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).
Brack, M. (Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Abt. Pathologie u. Tierärz.
Versorgung, 37077 Göttingen, Ger-many). Laboratory Animal Science,
1996, 46, 266-270. . . .
Two cases of gongylonematiasis in marmosets at two research facilities in
Germany are reported. The hel-minthiasis was transmitted from colony A to
colony B by one infected female and within colony B by cockroaches. Clinical
signs of disease in the infected animals consisted of intense itching and
scratching of the edematous and slightly hyperemic perioral tissues.
Histologically the adult helminths lodged predominantly in the mucous membranes
of the upper and lower lips; less frequently in the labial cutaneous parts or
in the tongue.

* Colonic adenocarcinoma in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta).
Johnson, E. H., Morgenstern, S. E., Perham, J. M., & Barthold, S. W.
(Dept of Animal & Vet. Sci., College of Agriculture, Sultan Qaboos Univ.,
P.O. Box 34, Al-Knod, Postal Code 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman). Journal
of Medical Primatology, 1996, 25, 435-438. . . .
A spontaneous colonic adenocarcinoma and endometriosis was diagnosed in a
34-year-old female macaque. The tumor caused partial obstruction of the
ascending colon and histologically resembled the commonly described
"napkin-ring" tumors of the descending and sigmoid colon found in humans.
Serum levels of CA 125, a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein antigen that has
been reported elevated in a variety of pathological conditions of the pelvic
cavity in humans, was severely elevated. Both the adenocarcinoma and the
endometriosis may have contributed to this finding.

* Simian immunodeficiency virus infection in a patas monkey
(Erythrocebus patas): Evidence for cross-species transmission from
African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus) in the wild.
Bibollet-Ruche, F., Galat-Luong, A., Cuny, G., Sarni-Manchado, P., Galat, G.,
Durand, J.-P., Pourrut, X., & Veas, F. (Lab. Rétrovirus, ORSTOM, 911
Ave. Agropolis, BP 5045, 34032 Montpellier cedex 1, France). Journal of
General Virology, 1996, 77, 773-781. . . .
Physical contact has been documented between African green monkeys (AGMs) and
patas monkeys. Elevated SIV seroprevalence rates have been reported for AGM
species. Among 85 AGMs and 54 patas monkeys studied, 47% and 7.5%,
respectively, had antibodies that cross-reacted with HIV-2 envelope proteins.
From two AGMs a virus was isolated; from the patas monkeys, virus isolation was
generally not possible, but from an ill animal a virus designated pamG31 was
amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For the two SIVagm isolates, an 830 bp region spanning the
env and nef genes was amplified and sequenced. Comparisons of
sequences from the env/nef region revealed 80% identity between pamGT31
and SIVagm isolates from AGMs of the sabeus subspecies, and 94% identity
between the two SIVagm isolates. This is the first report of a lentiviral
infection in a patas monkey.

* Genetic diversity of simian immunodeficiency viruses from West African green
monkeys: Evidence of multiple genotypes within populations from the same
geographical locale. Bibollet-Ruche, F., Brengues, C., Galat-Luong, A., Galat,
G., Pourrut, X., Vidal, N., Veas, F., Durand, J.-P., & Cuny, G. (Address
same as above). Journal of Virology, 1997, 71, 307-313. . . .
Genetic diversity of the SIV viruses found in various AGM subspecies far
exceeds the diversity observed in the other lentivirus-infected human and
nonhuman primates and is thought to reflect ancient introduction of SIV in the
AGM population. This paper investigates genetic diversity of SIVagm in
wild-living AGM populations from the same geographical locale in Senegal. For
11 new strains, two regions of the genome spanning the first tat exon
and part of the transmembrane glycoprotein were PCR-amplified and sequenced.
Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences shows that viruses found in sympatric
populations cluster into distinct lineages, with at least two distinct
genotypes in each troop, suggesting an ancient introduction of these divergent
viruses in the AGM population.

* SIVagm infection of its natural African green monkey host. Norley, S.
G. (Paul-Ehrlich-Inst., Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany).
Immunology Letters, 1996, 51, 53-58. . . .
Possible reasons for the apathogenicity of SIVagm in its natural AGM host
were investigated. The level of infection in the peripheral blood was
reminiscent of the level in asymptomatic HIV-1-infected patients, although
never reaching the levels associated with AIDS. Like humans, AGM CD8+ cells
secrete a factor able to suppress SIVagm (and HIV-1) replication but, unlike
humans, AGMs have a very high percentage of CD8+ lymphocytes in circulation.
Also, unlike humans during the asymptomatic stages of infection, AGM lymph
nodes do not seem to act as a reservoir for SIVagm and the lymph node structure
is not affected.